...you know what I mean?

Chocolate Covered Bacon?

2009-09-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

I had to share this with you!

We had a chance to spend some time with my Dad this weekend. Hadn't seen him in a long time!! We had a great time! On Sunday, we went to the LA County Fair. The last fair I went to was in Moreno Valley about 20 years ago where we witnessed a drive by shooting!! MoVal...good times!

So anyhow...Yesterday's experience was much better!! So amidst all of the BBQ and funnel cake goodness, we came across some chocolate covered bacon. Chocolate covered bacon? Yes, chocolate covered bacon. It wasn't too bad actually. They also has chocolate covered cotton candy and chocolate covered pickles!

Go ahead, visit the fair, enjoy some chocolate covered weirdness!!

Shameless solicitation for Logan's School...Ha!

2009-09-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here are the website and instructions if you would like to support Logan's school.

gafundraising.com

1. Click on ONLINE STORE (upper left hand corner)

2. Click on the button that says "If you are not sure of the Online ID or if you are just browsing..."

3. Enter School info:
Inland Leaders Charter School
Yucaipa
California
92399

4. Select School Group:
Elementary School Wide

5. Enter Student Info:
Logan
McCorkle

START SHOPPING!!!

Thank you for supporting Logan's school!!!

12 Years!!

2009-08-31T22:29:00.000-07:00

Seems like just yesterday that Christina and I married. Last night I was reminiscing about the night before our wedding...how I was goofing off and having a great time with family, and my new family.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. However, at least 1 thing has always remained. My love for my wife. Our love has changed, grown, been tested, and yet somehow thrives today. I am extremely happy about the decision I made 12 years ago. I would make it over and over again.

I love you Bernice. Happy Anniversary! I had a great time with you this weekend!

Oh..and thanks for the gift that came with my card this morning!

"God, don't let me be someone's aftershock"

2009-08-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

A lot has transpired since I last posted, but nevertheless, I'm gonna get down to it.

This morning's headlines alerted us of 2 strong earthquakes on the other side of the globe. Thankfully injuries and deaths are minimal. This news reminds me:

I have lived in southern California most of my life, yet somehow, earthquakes still surprise us. Earthquakes have been know to cause major structural damage to our buildings and infrastructure. While the initial jolt weakens the structure, its the aftershock that can bring those already weak structures down. So what is an aftershock?

Aftershock:

An aftershock is an earthquake that occurs after a previous earthquake (the main shock). An aftershock is in the same region of the main shock but is always of smaller magnitude strength.

Impact of aftershocks:

Aftershocks are dangerous because they are usually unpredictable, can be of a large magnitude, and can collapse buildings that are damaged from the mainshock. Bigger earthquakes have more and larger aftershocks and the sequences can last for years or even longer especially when a large event occurs in a seismically quiet area.

If this is true for buildings and structures how much more important is it for me to relate this to my own life. My structure. The Word of God says, that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. A temple. A structure.

Much like you, in my life I've sustained some earthquakes. Often times we bring about our own earthquakes as a result of our actions. Sometimes they are truly a surprise. In either case, I still fear the aftershock more than the earthquake.

Aftershock in our lives are most often caused by others. Words, dis-associations, judgement, not showing mercy, self preservation. In our moments of great vulnerability, an aftershock hits. Sometimes aftershocks are warranted in the mind of us as humans, yet I believe Jesus would disagree with that. I think the boldest statement is made when the parable of the shepherd leaving 99 sheep behind to go after 1 that needed help, guidance, love after it has strayed away from the fold. Not worried about what the 99 would think, the shepherd went after the 1.

God, help me to be like the shepherd. I know that each and every person will sustain an earthquake at some point in their life. God, don't let me be someone's aftershock.

Ralph

RESOLUTION (rěz'ə-lōō'shən)

2009-01-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2009!!

It's been nearly a month since my last posting...sorry bout that...it's been an interesting month.

Oh...one quick thing before I dive into today's post. I would like to add Kari and Josiah Wilson to my list of friends I am thankful for. Please add them to my Thanksgiving Blog!! Hehe!

Sooooo....

Of course as is our American nature, many of us feel compelled to find new ways to improve who we are at the beginning of a new calendar year. We often call these resolutions.

Dictionary.com defines it as: 1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination. 2. A resolving to do something. 3. A course of action determined or decided on.

I have a few thoughts on this opportunity to create and/or break habits.

Research shows that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. That’s 21 days of going to the gym every day or exercising in some way every day, 21 days to reading, 21 days to eat healthily, 21 days doing, 21 days of anything.

When you want to start a habit, don’t tell yourself you are doing it for life, tell yourself (your conscious brain) that you are going to try it for 21 days. For example if you want to start the habit of praying tell your conscious self that you are trying it for 21 days. Now, when you have completed this for 21 days your conscious mind has the choice of stopping it or carrying on, or so it thinks. Your neural pathways have formed already and you will more than likely continue with your new habit, you will have seen the benefits along the way your unconscious will want to continue if it has been beneficial.

Some of the bad habits most people are addicted to, are excess alcohol intake, drugs, smoking, gambling, sex and even food cravings. Do you experience being addicted? It is really a very difficult task of getting rid of something, especially when you’re used to it.

Several misconceptions concerning bad habits or cravings rule over our society today. People say that craving is awful and distressing. They say that it oblige you live with it, to rule your life. It’s difficult to resist because it won’t leave your side. It will always tempt you to use it. It will make you so hooked, such that in time, it becomes very difficult to eliminate.

Do you believe in these fallacies? Even if it says that it is irresistible, the truth is you can withstand it. As time goes by, and as you continue resisting it, it will eventually pass. Believe that you are able to overpower your urges.

To wrap things up, I think there is one huge key that will empower us to experience the changes we desire.

Four Words: GOD IS WITH US

I firmly believe that if we sincerely seek God's help...He will give us the help we require to change...His Word says so......

Happy Sunday!

2008-12-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. It pretty much emcompasses the entire week into just 24 hrs! I look forward to waking up to silence...no alarm...except Chris'. Sunday morning is my favorite church service...for me it represents hope, and rest. Sunday lunch with family and friends is always great! Sunday afternoon I typically will spend a few hours doing some planning for the upcoming week as well as some not too exciting work reports. Sunday eve's service is one that challenges me to keep myself open to the word of God. Sunday evening also usually consists of a nice dinner with friends.

I encourage everyone to make Sunday more than just football or a bar-b-que...but use this special day to find ways to improve who you are, and prepare for the upcoming week.

Happy Sunday!!!

Surprise!!

2008-12-06T02:01:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a night!

My birthday continued tonight with a surprise birthday party! Chris and I typically host a Christmas party for our friends around this time of the year. So...we had been working very diligently to prepare for the party. We made sure all the decorations were up and the food was in order. Barbara and Rose cam to the house about 45 mins early to help Chris. Everything was about ready...so I went upstairs to shower and get dressed. When I came down stairs, Chris told me that she needed me to go get ice. So I ran upstairs, got my shoes and keys and headed out the door. She stopped me and said that john was gonna with me....grrr I just wanted to hurry and get back, I had worked hard for this party! After taking forever at the store, chris called john saying we needed more chairs from the church! First off...we had talked about only getting 16...because we didn't wanna have a bunch of empty chairs! Secondly, why didn't she call me? Her and I had been working on this party! Becoming more and more angry...we got to the church. When john walked in the alarm went off...great, now we have to wait for the police! Didn't have to wait afterall...we headed back to the house. Carrying 3 chairs and a 20 lb bag of ice...the front door was locked! So I set my stuff down, got the keys, opened the door....SURPRISE! Most people said I looked mad...some said confused, others said surprised...actually I was a little of all! So, our Christmas party was actually my birthday party!! I had a great time and enjoyed each of the gifts!

Thank you to everyone who helped! An extra special thank you to Chris....you are the sunshine of my life. I love you.

30 and Counting...

2008-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

The whole world changed yesterday.

I left my twenties….and entered my thirties!

Yes, yesterday was my birthday! 30 years old. Whoa.

Some said "you are now officially an adult"…what does that mean? Kinda weird since those same people told me the same thing when I turned 18..and 21. Not to mention the fact that I’ve been married for 11 years! Hmmmm… At any rate, I am ready to embrace the next decade of my life. Having learned how to do some things and how not do some things in my 20’s, I pray the next 10 years will be more exciting in an "adult" type of way…no more juvenile behavior!

As for the day itself, my wife planned and executed a wonderful day for me:

For starters, she had a card sitting at my bathroom sink first thing in the morning. The card was an old man about to blow out his birthday candles...wishing he wasn’t an old man…*poof* He turned into an old lady!! Very Funny! Accompanying the card was a 4GB mini SD card for my G1 phone.

Next she had a balloon bouquet delivered to my office at work.

Then we had an early evening photo shoot for Christmas photos in Oak Glen…I’ll post some pictures later.

Then to wrap things up she planned a dinner party with my Mom, Harry, John, Cam, Alyssa, Ella, Logan, Mary, Debbie (Alyssa’s mom) at Claim Jumper. Mom and Harry bought me a really nice white dress shirt…thanks! Chris gave me a second gift…a Magellan RoadMate! It’s cooler than I thought! And of course John bought our dinner as is his usual gift! I had the Porterhouse steak! Very good stuff!

Thank you to all that called or sent me a text/email wishing me a happy birthday! Thank you to the Centimark office choir that sang "Happy Birthday" to me and had a very yummy cake!

Thanks Christina for all you did for me! I love you!

Forty…here I come!

This is what I'm Thankful for...

2008-11-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

2008 has been quite a year! I have so many things to be thankful for. While it is impossible to recall everything, let alone list everything...I'm gonna list a few by month.

**WARNING: THIS MAY BE LONG!!**

January: I'm grateful to know that my Grandma McCorkle, went to be with the Lord. I'm thankful for her help and wisdom which I employed countless times. Even though I miss her, there is no greater celebration than to know that she is now with the Lord and living without sickness or physical limitations. I am going to live my life so I have the opportunity to see and talk with her again.

February: Thankful for the opportunity to work with Chris and her team on the Easter project. While this was a VERY busy and stressful time in our home…I’m thankful I was able to participate! This has always been a fun time to work with my best friend John. John, thanks for your friendship and your loyalty to me in spite of me failing you as a friend at times.

March: While eating dinner with Logan on a Wednesday evening on our way to Bible study…my supervisor Jim Fohrman…called to ask if I’d be interested in a higher position (Project Manager). Duh! Actually, the way God worked it out was quite amazing. I am grateful to my Dad, Jim F, Steve F, and the Dunlaps for this great opportunity!

April: Logan becomes a Ten-ager!! Thank God for a great and healthy kid! I’m proud of you Logan!

May: Ella Star Clara McCorkle! Born on the 15th…has been a lot of fun for Uncle Ralph, Aunt Chris and Cousin Logster! We try to steal her from Cameron and Alyssa whenever we can!! I’m thankful that I can share in the joy of a baby…and still be able to send her home with her mom and dad!! Hehe!

June: Thank God for his help in achieving my first $500K sales month!! How exciting!! I’m also thankful to the people who have helped me at Centimark. An extra special thanks to: Cameron, Gavin, Jim, Lucy, Brianna, Sammy, and Victor. I value your assistance and input.

July: God Bless America. In spite of all of it’s quirks, the United States in still the greatest nation in the world. I’m thankful that I am an American! Thank God for freedom!

August: On the very last day of August, Chris and I celebrated 11 years of marriage! Like all married couples, we are still learning about ourselves, and each other. I will always be grateful to God for putting such a wonderful woman in my life. I love you Christina. You are the sunshine of my life!

September: My Dad has always been someone that I have admired. Thank you Dad for all of your help and insight when I needed it most. I love you Dad. Oh yeah…Dad turned 50 too!! Judy and Aunt Debbie did a good job on the surprise party! I love you guys.

October: October is known as Clergy Appreciation month. This year more than ever, I am grateful for my Pastor. More than just being thankful for Pastor Wilmoth…I’m thankful for the revelation of submission and obedience to my pastor and the Word of God. Thank you Pastor for being a great man and putting up with my antics!

November: Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayers! On the 30th of this month my step dad, Harry, will be baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus! My Mom and Harry have been faithful to the house of God since the first week of the year. I have been praying for them for at least 7 years! Thank you Jesus! I love you Mom and Harry.

December: Can’t wait to see!!

There are several people I am thankful for. I’m glad that God has put these people in my life:

All of my extended family, my Grandma Grace who is a great woman of God, Grandma Lucy and Grandpa Basilio, my favorite mother-in-law Mary, Judy McCorkle..I don’t know how you can put up with all of my Dad’s traveling, my baby sister Summer, and my kid brother Cameron and Alyssa, Uncle Wayne and Aunt Debbie, the Wilmoth family, Eric and Rose, Justin and Bekka, Casey and Joni, Bonnie and Matt, Leonard and Crystal, Lorraine, David Candelaria, Andy Wong, Jason and Brenda, the Karen White family, Barbara, Sis Barrington, the entire Hope Center Family.

WoW!

2008-11-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Whew....what a week!

You know what I mean?

More interesting thoughts to come...

Second Posting of the Day...

2008-11-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

'Why Believe in a God? Just be Good' Ads Set to Run Next Week Through Christmas On D.C. Buses

WASHINGTON, D.C. — You better watch out. There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.

In lifting lyrics from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the Washington-based group is wading into what has become a perennial debate over commercialism, religion in the public square and the meaning of Christmas.

"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

To that end, the ads and posters will include a link to a Web site that will seek to connect and organize like-minded thinkers in the D.C. area, Edwords said.

Edwords said the purpose isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds."

The group defines humanism as "a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity."

Last month, the British Humanist Association caused a ruckus announcing a similar campaign on London buses with the message: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

In Washington, the humanists' campaign comes as conservative Christian groups gear up their efforts to keep Christ in Christmas. In the past five years, groups such as the American Family Association and the Catholic League have criticized or threatened boycotts of retailers who use generic "holiday" greetings.

In mid-October, the American Family Association started selling buttons that say "It's OK to say Merry Christmas." The humanists' entry into the marketplace of ideas did not impress AFA president Tim Wildmon.

"It's a stupid ad," he said. "How do we define 'good' if we don't believe in God? God in his word, the Bible, tells us what's good and bad and right and wrong. If we are each ourselves defining what's good, it's going to be a crazy world."

Also on Tuesday, the Orlando, Fla.-based Liberty Counsel, a conservative Christian legal group, launched its sixth annual "Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign." Liberty Counsel has intervened in disputes over nativity scenes and government bans on Christmas decorations, among other things.

"It's the ultimate grinch to say there is no God at a time when millions of people around the world celebrate the birth of Christ," said Mathew Staver, the group's chairman and dean of the Liberty University School of Law. "Certainly, they have the right to believe what they want but this is insulting."

Best-selling books by authors such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have fueled interest in "the new atheism" — a more in-your-face argument against God's existence.

Yet few Americans describe themselves as atheist or agnostic; a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll from earlier this year found 92 percent of Americans believe in God.

There was no debate at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority over whether to take the ad. Spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said the agency accepts ads that aren't obscene or pornographic.

FOUND ON FOXNEWS.COM

I Hate When That Happens!

2008-11-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

Man's coffin kills wife on way to cemetery

SAO PAULO, Brazil - Police say a woman has died on the way to a cemetery when a traffic accident hurled her husband's coffin against the back of her neck.

Police said 67-year-old Marciana Silva Barcelos was in the front passenger seat of the hearse when the accident occurred Monday in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Barcelos died instantly.

Her 76-year-old husband, Josi Silveira Coimbra, died Sunday of a heart attack while dancing at a party.

Presidential Obamanation

2008-11-04T23:08:00.000-08:00

Well, time to take your wallets out and give more to the government. Welcome to the next 4 years!

Regardless of the outcome of today's election...it's always in our best interest to continue forward. So...join me and many others, let's get back to work so we can be sure there is enough money to support all the lazy people who don't work!

I'm not bitter or anything.

Which Are You?

2008-10-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I'm about sick of all the political talk! Lets just vote already!!

Let's get one thing clear: The smartest, most capable, and greatest leaders will never be President. These people simply are too smart for politics! Great leaders do not seek popularity. On the other hand...Popularity is the very thing that motivates politicians. Which are you striving to be?

There's old saying that goes like this: "You can give a man a fish and feed him for today. Or you can teach him how to fish and feed him for a lifetime". Which is more popular?

Are you looking for a free fish to satisfy you today? Or are you looking to be taught to fish so you can support yourself for a lifetime?

Obama is wanting you to accept a handout that is taken directly from someone who learned how to fish. You oughta be asking how do I become a fisherman?...not...where's my fish?

If you want to be successful...do what successful people do!

Good Bye to An Old Friend

2008-10-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Ever had a favorite pair of shoes? No matter how ugly or out-of-style they become they are still your favorite?

Well, today I had to say farewell to a 3 year old pair of Cole Hahn boots. Yup, Nike Air sole...by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. For the past couple of years they had become my official lawn mowing/weed-eating/car washing/roof working/4th of July booth working/run to the mail box/sprinkler fixing shoes.

The burden of being the everything shoe has finally taken it's toll. As shown in the picture...these shoes are toast!! Bummer.

Change

2008-10-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

Webster defines change this way: to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution.

I'm not sure which is harder to accomplish...recognizing a need for change, or the task of performing the change.

It's easy for us (humans) to see the need for others to change. In a lot of cases we can even map out the course that should be taken in order to see someone else achieve the change we deem necessary! While we urge others to change...we do not always see a need for personal change.

I believe true change is impossible to obtain without fully recognizing the necessity of it. Which leads me to believe that change must start with an honest look at ourselves. The "strengths" we feel like we possess, may in fact be our greatest roadblocks to change.

We must take an honest look at ourselves. What do I need to change? Do I need to break some old habits? Do I need to create some new habits?

One last thought from CS Lewis:

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.

Let's Roll...

2008-10-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my new blog. This is a first for me! As a matter of fact, I didn't even read blogs until just a short time ago.

My goal is to simply share my thoughts and ideas on a regular basis. I will do my best to write daily...or at least every other day. Do you have a blog? Sheesh, seems like it took forever just to set this thing up!! I sure it will change as I learn all the cool tricks...you know what I mean?

So to all my friends and family who care to "follow" my blog...you have officially begun the journey!

Let's Roll...